California’s Workforce Development And Climate Goals Must Go Hand-In-Hand

As we transition toward a clean energy economy, California must prioritize those most affected by the climate crisis. In our state, that means communities of color, who tend to be already overburdened with pollution and poverty. It also means that displaced and disadvantaged workers who stand on the precipice of a widening economic gap ought to have access to the resources they need to participate fully in a flourishing low-carbon economy.

As our state legislators and governor conclude the budget negotiation process, we are reminded that we have a responsibility to ensure our public dollars deliver environmental and economic equity.

Olivia Barbour knows the challenges of working in a declining industry.

After serving in the Air Force, she built jet planes for Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach for years, but as the industry plummeted and her body’s ability to do heavy manufacturing work changed, workers like Olivia were left to their own to re-tool their skills in an entirely different economy.